Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most thrilling conservation areas of Kenya strategically located in the central western part of the country. It is famous for its bird life with high numbers of pink Flamingoes flocking the Lake region. Lake Nakuru is the main physical feature of the park, it is a Saline Lake of the Great Rift Valley region the park area takes a total space of approximately 188 square kilometers together with the bordering land area being fenced with wire mesh to avoid animals from digging their way out or humans obstructing conservation. The lake is placed at an elevation of 1,745 meters above sea level.
Lake Nakuru National Park was first protected as a migratory bird species territory and shooting area in 1950 it was later upgraded to the status of a National Park in 1968 as a way of protecting the endangered species, it was then declared a rhino sanctuary due to its large numbers of black Rhinos, the conservation area is named after Lake Nakuru, in the Masai Language the word Nakuru simply means “Dusty place”. The lake is shallow and is covered completely in pink flamingoes due to the abundance of green algae along the Lake.
Lake Nakuru National Park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service who manage most protected surface areas of the country, the vegetation of the park comprises scrublands, grasses acacia woodlands, riverine vegetation,and forested area, these act as home to abundant wildlife species, for example, black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, hippos, waterbucks, spotted hyenas, zebras, gazelles, leopards, loins, buffaloes, olive baboons,black and white colobus monkeys, warthogs, bushbucks, leopards among other animal species.over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the national park, and the presence of the Soda Ash Lake attracts birds like bateleur, black-tailed godwit, black-winged lapwing, crab plover, great snipe, greater spotted eagle, grey crowned crane, lappet-faced vulture, long-tailed widow bird among other species.
Things to do in Lake Nakuru National Park include birding experiences, the lake region is the best birding spot in Kenya, it is famous for large numbers of pink flamingoes,and other bird species for example pelicans, cormorants, and waterfowls among other bird types.
Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park will bring you up close with wildlife species, they are conducted in sessions in the early morning, afternoon time, and evening using 4*4 wheel car drives characterized by their open rooftopsto enhance guest experience on animal views and photography, game drives last for 2-3 hours expect to see a variety of animal species including the so-called big four of the wilderness.
Visit the Rhino sanctuary within the conservation area, there are large numbers of both black and white Rhinos in the national park, it is a known place to breed this animal species which makes it the number one place to go to when thinking of having to see Rhinos.
Lake Nakuru National Park can be visited any time of the year but it is best during the dry season between the months of December-February and June to September when the trails of the park are drier and easier to access.
In conclusion,Lake Nakuru National Park can be accessed by road or by air, by road it takes approximately 160 kilometers from Nairobi to the conservation area, it is advisable to take a strong car, for example, a 4*4 wheel car drive to beat the tough terrain, by flights can be arranged to the destination to land at the Lake Nakuru airstrip, this is the fastest way of reaching the national park.